The different outcomes from two property fires in South Lakeland on Friday (19 January) have dramatically demonstrated the benefit of homes having a working smoke detector and a clear plan of what to do in the event of a fire.
Just after midnight on Friday, firefighters from Kendal were called to a flat blaze in Kendal’s Wakefield Yard where two people were rescued - both suffering from smoke inhalation and requiring hospital treatment.
Despite being located only 300 yards from the town's fire station, the incident was made worse due to the flat having no working smoke alarm and the occupants having no plan of what to do in the event of a fire.
Later the same morning, firefighters from Ambleside attended a blaze at a home in Elterwater. Despite crews having to travel 10 minutes to tackle the fire, none of the occupants were injured in the incident which was swiftly dealt with by firefighters - something Cumbria's Fire & Rescue Service puts down to the presence of working smoke detectors in the home and a proper fire plan.
Cumbria Fire & Rescue's Station Officer Callum Graham said: “The single contributory factor to the differing outcomes was the Elterwater property had a working smoke alarm and the occupiers had a fire plan, while the occupiers of the Kendal property had nothing.
“This again highlights the value of the Fire and Rescue Service's free Home Safety Checks. They are not limited to fitting smoke detectors but involve a thorough inspection of all potential hazards within the home.”
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service operates a freephone number (0800-358-4777) which people can call to arrange a Home Safety Check and receive other useful community safety information.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228 606337